Do you want to be healed?

“When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?” — John 5:6, KJV

Like all verses in the Bible, its secrets aren’t revealed to us until we knock and seek Him. I’ve read this verse countless times and never stopped to ask: Why would Jesus ask a man who’s been disabled for thirty-eight years if he would like to be healed? Surely, the answer is yes.

But is it?

I believe there is a lesson here that goes deeper than physical healing. Many people are either born with disabilities or acquire them later in life, and the LORD certainly has the power to heal us of them. But He is much more concerned with the well-being of our souls—specifically, our salvation.

Holy Spirit, guide my words in all truth.

There is a reason, I believe, that Jesus asked, “Wilt thou be made whole?” Those words invite us to consider more than physical wellness. I believe there is a lesson here about the healing we’re all in need of: spiritual healing. Jesus clearly stated during His ministry that if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can tell a mountain to move, and it will move. We can trust Him for physical healing, too, while remembering that it does not always come in the way or timing we hope.

So now the question becomes, “Wilt thou be made spiritually well?” And that is a very deep question. If you’ve come this far, if you are a believer and trust in the truth of the Bible and the miracles of God, then there’s no doubt about what He can do. But do you want Him to do it?

Do I want to be spiritually healed?

Or, more practically: Would you be willing to lose everything you have—your job, money, family, and relationships—for Him?

“Then He said to them all, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.’” — Luke 9:23, NKJV

Do you want a new name? A new life? To turn away from the pleasures and comforts of this world and welcome a complete transformation?

Your worldly friends may not recognize you anymore. Your time-wasting, sinful hobbies won’t satisfy you anymore. You’ll turn away from cursing. You may feel led to give up any music that isn’t worship or instrumental. You’ll learn discipline and take care of the body that Christ paid for.

Do you believe that God can heal you? And if so, do you accept?

This is at the core of true Christianity. When Christ died for our sins, He was resurrected. But before He rose, His flesh was nailed to the cross, and as followers, we are called to take up our own cross and put our sinful desires to death. This looks different for all of us, but the Holy Spirit will guide us into all truth and convict us when it’s needed.

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” — Romans 12:2, NKJV

This isn’t legalism. This is tasting the pure and holy waters of His love and mercy and trusting Him to transform your heart and renew your mind.

Ask yourselves, brothers and sisters: Wilt thou be made whole?

Until next time, and as always, stand firm in Christ.